Ending EUC Unemployment

​Ending Unemployment?

State Assistance for Unemployed Workers

State agencies are working together to deliver services to unemployed Illinois workers. That effort includes providing additional information through this Web portal and access to services for basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Detailed information and additional web links are available below.

Health insurance for parents and certain caretaker relatives living with children 18 or younger in Illinois. Call 1-866-All-Kids, 1-866-255-5437 (TTY: 1-877-204-1012) or visit the Family Care web site.

All Kids

Health insurance coverage for Illinois children 18 or younger, regardless of family income. Call 1-866-All-Kids, 1-866-255-5437 (TTY: 1-877-204-1012) or visit the All Kids website​.

School Health Program

Coordinates activities to help all Illinois school-aged children. IDPH funds 40 School Health Centers statewide that offer routine medical care, school/sports physicals, immunizations, nutrition counseling, health education, sexually transmitted disease testing and pregnancy testing. Each health center has a medical director and is staffed by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant who is qualified to provide medical care to children. For information about a School Health Center in your area, contact the School Health Program at (217) 524-5992.

​Education & Training

Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. Job Corps currently trains more than 60,000 students at 125 centers nationwide. If you or someone you know is interested in joining Job Corps, call (800) 733-5627 (JOBS). An operator will provide general information and refer you to an admissions counselor closest to where you live. More information also is available at www.jobcorps.gov​.

Veterans, Women, Seniors and Disabled

Illinois Warrior Assistance Program

Assistance for Illinois Veterans as they transition back to their lives after serving our country. Call 1-866-554-IWAP (1-866-554-4927) or visit the Illinois Warrior website.

Homeowners

Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN)

Governor Quinn's Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) is a FREE, one-stop resource to connect homeowners with important tools, including access to counseling services, legal advice, mortgage assistance programs, foreclosure prevention events, and tips on how to avoid mortgage fraud. Illinois residents who are having trouble paying their mortgage, facing foreclosure or know someone who is should reach out to IFPN as soon as possible by visiting www.keepyourhomeillinois.org, or by calling the IFPN hotline at 1-855-KEEP-411. A list of upcoming outreach events is also available at the website.

The Mortgage Relief Project

Helps take advantage of new government programs that can help you lower your mortgage payments, avoid foreclosure and keep your home. The program will be traveling throughout the State of Illinois, providing free housing counseling and information on avoiding mortgage scams. For more information and to view upcoming dates, please visit our Mortgage Relief Project website or call 800-532-8785.

Food

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Help low-income people and families buy food for good health. The online SNAP Eligibility Calculator will help estimate your benefits. The most important factors for eligibility include income and expenses; the number of persons who live and eat together; and the amount of available liquid assets, such as money in checking and savings accounts. Your application will be reviewed and if you qualify, you will receive an Illinois Link Card which is accepted at most grocery stores. Apply For Cash, SNAP (Food Stamps) & Medical Assistance

Emergency Food

Resources include U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodities and other donated foods at food pantries across the state. To find a food pantry, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter in your area, visit the Illinois Food Bank Association website. Food pantries might ask for proof of identity and residency.

A food assistance program to help low to middle income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 years old buy healthy foods like milk, juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, dry beans, and peanut butter. There are many locations in Illinois to apply for this program. To find one close to you, use the online DHS office locator.

Earn fare

Earn fare helps adults without dependents receive Food Stamps. They must first work off the value of their food stamps (at minimum wage), after which they may work more hours and earn up to $294 per month.

Housing

Homeless Prevention Program

Helps keep individuals and families in their homes, shorten the time they spend in shelters, and assist in securing affordable housing. Individuals and families in immediate danger of eviction, foreclosure, or homelessness, as well as those currently homeless, might qualify when they document a temporary economic crisis beyond their control. They must also demonstrate their ability to meet prospective rental/utility obligations after the assistance has been granted. Homeless Prevention Program Directory

Supportive Housing Program

Provides services such as alcohol and substance abuse counseling and mental health programs while helping to prevent people from becoming homeless. Job training, transportation, child care and transitional housing might be available. Case management is required. Services are delivered by local governments, community organizations and not-for-profit agencies. Applications accepted at DHS Family Community Resource Centers. To find an office near you, see the DHS Office Locator.

Homeless Youth Services

Provides a place to live and job services for youths between 14- and 20-years-old who lack housing, the skills to live on their own, and who cannot return home. Parents, guardians, school staff and youths can find the nearest agency at Homeless Youth Agencies and their Sites.

Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) helps those who need money and are 65 years or older, blind, or disabled. A US citizen living in Illinois may be eligible if they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or are ineligible for SSI due to income. Certain immigrants who are ineligible for SSI due to federal time limits to become U.S. citizens may also qualify.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Earned Income Tax Credit​ puts cash back in your pocket if you worked during the past year. If you qualify, you can reduce your taxes or get a bigger refund. Each year, in January, updated information about where to get help to file your taxes and guidelines for the federal and state EITC are posted online.​